Hillman Zimp

The Hillman Zimp was a compact sports coupé prototype developed by Zagato in 1963 using the mechanical foundation of the Hillman Imp. The project represented a collaboration between British engineering and Italian coachbuilding, combining the Rootes Group’s rear-engined platform with Zagato’s lightweight aluminum construction. A total of three prototypes were completed. The design was executed under the direction of Ercole Spada, who was then chief stylist at Zagato. The car was conceived as a limited-production grand touring variant intended to demonstrate aerodynamic refinement and weight reduction relative to the standard Imp. The Zimp retained the Hillman Imp’s 875 cc inline four-cylinder engine mounted at the rear. The unit produced approximately 51 horsepower (38 kW) at 6,100 rpm and 71 Nm of torque, transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. The engine block and cylinder head were made of aluminum, maintaining the Imp’s low-mass configuration. Performance estimates indicated a maximum speed of approximately 140 km/h (87 mph). Chassis and suspension geometry were carried over from the Imp, using independent suspension at both axles with coil springs and swing arms at the rear. Steering was of the rack-and-pinion type. Braking was by hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. The aluminum body designed by Spada replaced the Imp’s steel panels, resulting in a curb weight reduction of about 50 kilograms to approximately 630 kg. The overall dimensions included a length of 3,580 mm, width of 1,480 mm, height of 1,280 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,220 mm. Zagato completed the Zimp’s development within nine months, and the prototype was introduced at the 1964 Earls Court Motor Show. A projected retail price of £1,200 was announced, positioning the vehicle above the standard Imp in cost and specification. However, the Rootes Group’s financial instability and subsequent corporate restructuring prevented series production. Only the three prototypes were completed, all of which are known to survive in private collections and institutional archives.